Noticing your child or teenager struggling — with anxiety, low mood, big emotional reactions, or shutting down — is worrying, and it’s normal not to know exactly what’s needed yet. This page is for you if you’re asking on their behalf.

Is My Child Experiencing Something They Need Support With?

Some signs worth paying attention to: persistent worry or fear that doesn’t match the situation, big emotional reactions that seem out of proportion, withdrawing from friends or activities they used to enjoy, changes in sleep or eating, or talk of self-harm. None of these automatically mean something is seriously wrong — but if they’re new, persistent, or affecting daily life, it’s worth having them looked at.

What Therapy Looks Like for Children and Teenagers

Sessions are adapted to your child’s age and what they’re comfortable with — this might mean more structured conversation for a teenager, or a more flexible, less talk-led approach for a younger child. We work at their pace, and I’ll keep you appropriately informed as their parent, within the confidentiality approach explained on the Book Now page.

If Self-Harm or Big Emotions Are the Main Concern

If what you’re describing sounds like your child is struggling to manage overwhelming emotions, or using self-harm to cope, DBT-based work is often the most effective starting point — see the Emotional Regulation & DBT page.

What Happens Next

Book an initial session and we’ll take it from there — you don’t need a diagnosis or a clear name for what’s going on beforehand.

Book an Appointment